A qualitative evaluation of the Menu-Choice Physical Activity Program for adults with intellectual disabilities

Background: The group home(GH) setting has unique barriers and facilitators to physical activity(PA) for those with intellectual disabilities(ID). The Menu-Choice Physical Activity Programwas designed through community-based participatory approaches to assist staff in including PA into GH schedules. The purpose of this study was to complete a qualitative program evaluation to receive feedback for program refinement.

Methods: Twelve participants who completed the Menu-Choice 10 week pilot intervention participated in a one-on-one interview (n=7 staff mean age 42; n=5 residents mean age 52). Participants represented five GH sites involved. Three coders reviewed transcribed documents to identify themes.          

Results: Hierarchical themes included: (1) Program training, (2) Program Implementation, (3) Program Physical Activity (4), Program Barriers (5), Program Facilitators and (6) Program Feedback.  Staff used basic program materials without further exploration. Program barriers included residents’ motivation, residents’ limitations, lack of time, and limited staff, while facilitators included staff pursuing PA with residents, staffs’ familiarity of residents, one-on-one implementation, and making PA fun. Residents enjoyed making choices, spending time with staff, and owning program materials. Program implementation was lower for sites that had fewer staff contributing to the program, residents who were more dependent, supervisors who lacked program support, and those who did not include PA into the residents’ schedule. Specific program feedback included involving residents in training, more group activities, and changing the name to avoid confusion with food. 

Conclusion: Results highlight the importance of reducing staff burden to enhance implementation and obtaining increased agency support to include the program in GH policy.